- Günther announces a cost-cutting policy with moderation
Shleswig-Holstein's Minister-President, Daniel Günther, anticipates headwinds for his government's austerity course. "It would be an illusion to believe that one could save a billion euros without the people in the country feeling it," the CDU politician told the German Press Agency. "But we will reduce the structural deficit in a measured way. If we saved that amount all at once, the north would be unrecognizable. No one wants that."
Günther said: "In the current fiscal year, we have already saved 100 million euros, and within the next five years, we must close the gap of one billion. These gradual savings will also be noticeable."
Günther wants to set priorities
Many things are currently under review. In difficult times, the government must set priorities. "In certain areas, we simply cannot avoid cuts. From the opposition, it's easy to say that the government is saving in the wrong places. In no area will everyone say: Finally, they're saving here."
The government has already faced criticism for announcing a reduction in public transport services on some routes, and the increase in the number of students in the German as a second language program was also controversial. "But if money is lacking, the government must fulfill its responsibility and implement austerity measures. I perceive that one receives understanding for this if it is well-founded," said Günther.
Crisis experience
The coalition has already gained experience in dealing with crises after the corona pandemic and the beginning of the Russian attack on Ukraine and its effects on Shleswig-Holstein, said Günther. "We are experiencing challenging times. My goal is that we will emerge from this strengthened."
Günther finds confidence for the upcoming austerity course in the trusting cooperation between the CDU and the Greens. "It is a sign of professional and trusting cooperation that nothing has leaked out about our austerity plans for months. In late summer, the CDU and the Greens will discuss the list of cuts at a retreat."
There will be no job cuts in the police force in Shleswig-Holstein. Instead, the state continues to build up a second deployment unit. "Ensuring security is a core task of the state that we cannot hand over to others," said Günther. "Security plays an extremely important role for the stability of society in times like these." Therefore, this area is largely exempt from cuts and is a clear budget priority of his government.
Günther believes that saving is better than what is currently happening at the federal level. "In Berlin, the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor, and the Finance Minister decide among themselves where to save, and then all three say they don't really agree with the path. That doesn't give the impression that the austerity measures are well-considered, but the people have a right to that." Although investments in infrastructure cannot be exempt from austerity measures, it is important to make future investments to maintain prosperity and strengthen the economy.
Stability factor Schneider
In the midst of the austerity course, Günther loses an important figure of trust with Finance Minister Monika Heinold (Greens) stepping down after two years in office. Her successor, Silke Schneider (Greens), has already been given the appointment certificate by the head of government.
"I know that Silke Schneider will do the job exceptionally well," said Günther. "She knows the house and the issues. For the coalition, she's a real asset, both professionally and personally." This is particularly important because Heinold had been the stabilizing force for the Black-Green coalition.
The government, led by Minister-President Günther, acknowledges the need for austerity measures due to their austerity course, stating that saving a substantial amount all at once would significantly impact the north of the country. Günther highlights the importance of setting priorities during challenging times and ensuring that savings are gradual and well-founded, as any cuts could invite criticism from the opposition.
